Ministry to hold talk shows to prevent people from joining Daish

The Communications and Multimedia Ministry will be holding several talk shows in the effort to prevent the people from being influenced into joining Daish militant activities, next month.

Its Deputy Minister, Datuk Jailani Johari said the programmes to be aired by Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) would give space to experts, especially from the Home Ministry and the Malaysia Islamic Development Department (Jakim), to spread information on true jihad and the real struggles in Islam.

He said the information and awareness programmes would be held continuously to remind the public not to be swayed by militant propaganda.

"We are aware that Daish militants have many approaches, including their own songs to influence the people to join them, and we hope this would help deflect the initial influence," he told reporters here today.

Earlier, Jailani officiated the final of the 1Malaysia National Oratory Competition at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) in Merbok, here.

Also present were Kedah Information, Rural Development and Poverty Eradication Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Tajuddin Abdullah; Information Department director-general Datuk Ibrahim Abdul Rahman and state information director Aziman Hasan.

He said to date, 229 individuals had been arrested for being involved in Daish militant activities in the country.

In another development, Jailani said 15 programmes had been drawn up for the country's Independence Month celebrations, starting with the 1Malaysia National Oratory Competition today, which is also held in conjunction with the Warriors' Day celebration.

"We know many subversive elements are trying to influence us, and that is why we are encouraging all communities to celebrate the Independence Month to booth the spirit of patriotism among the people," he said.